Tag Archives: Bianca Rivas

I would not have thought it, but MLB came down on Jeurys Familia today, and you could say the Mets came away with their first victory of the season. While most – including myself – predicted he’d be suspended for 30 games on a domestic incident. Instead, MLB tagged him for just 15 games.

FAMILIA: Gets 15 games. (AP)

Familia was arrested Oct. 31 after his wife, Bianca Rivas, told police he was drunk and violent. The police report said she had signs of injury, however, she would not press charges.

A statement released by MLB read: “The evidence reviewed by my office does not support a determination that Mr. Familia physically assaulted his wife, or threatened her or others with physical force or harm, on October 31, 2016. Nevertheless, I have concluded that Mr. Familia’s overall conduct that night was inappropriate, violated the Policy, and warrants discipline.”

MLB would not say how its investigation differed from that of the police, or what factors it used to reach its decision, but there had to be something because his suspension was the shortest since creating a domestic-violence policy on 2015: Mets infielder Jose Reyes got 52 games for spousal abuse and Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman got 30 games, and his incident involved allegedly choking his girlfriend and shooting a gun.

Familia, who has 99 saves as the Mets’ closer, said in a statement:

“Today, I accepted a 15-game suspension from Major League Baseball resulting from my inappropriate behavior on October 31, 2016. With all that has been written and discussed regarding this matter, it is important that it be known that I never physically touched, harmed or threatened my wife that evening.

“I did, however, act in an unacceptable manner and am terribly disappointed in myself. I am alone to blame for the problems of that evening.

“My wife and I cooperated fully with Major League Baseball’s investigation, and I’ve taken meaningful steps to assure that nothing like this will ever happen again. I have learned from this experience, and have grown as a husband, a father, and a man.

“I apologize to the Mets’ organization, my teammates, and all my fans. I look forward to rejoining the Mets and being part of another World Series run. Out of respect for my teammates and my family, I will have no further comment.”

There is so much more left to digest and wonder about Familia’s case.

Only he and Bianca truly know what happened that night and she won’t say or do anything to implicate her husband, so we are only left to speculate and wonder about the future. Hopefully, this will be a wake-up call for Familia. And hopefully, there won’t be a next time for Bianca.

As far as MLB judging players on their off-field behavior and possible incidents that have brushes with the law we have to understand there is a high degree of public relations with professional sports and that will never change. But, to what degree should MLB be involved has long been up for debate. That won’t change, either.

Mets closer Jeurys Familia isn’t commenting on his domestic violence case which is understandable. However, neither is Major League Baseball, which isn’t.

Familia greeted reporters in Port Lucie with a clipped: “My lawyer’s advice is that I don’t speak about anything related to my case.”

FAMILIA: Waiting on suspension verdict. (AP)

Major League Baseball is still investigating Familia’s Oct. 31 arrest following a dispute with his wife, Bianca Rivas in Fort Lee, N.J. There was immediate speculation he would receive up to a 30-game suspension, which has persisted even though the case was dismissed by the New Jersey legal system.

However, Major League Baseball – as it did in the case involving Jose Reyes – doesn’t always follow the lead of the courts and acts on its own.

Commissioner Rod Manfred expects a resolution by the end of spring training but would not guarantee a ruling, which is ridiculous when you think about it.

Why not?

Unless MLB’s investigation is any more intense or thorough than the Fort Lee police, what’s the point in delaying this? MLB, because it is understandably sensitive about domestic violence issues, will have to issue some kind of suspension.

What’s the delay? There have already been suspensions levied against Reyes and Aroldis Chapman, so we know MLB won’t let Familia skate.

In fairness to Familia and the Mets – who need to construct a bullpen – this should have been done before pitchers and catchers reported.

The Mets now have a bullpen problem, but Jeurys Familia’s troubles are just beginning. The Mets’ closer was arrested Monday in Fort Lee, N.J., on a domestic violence charge.

The Bergen Record reported Familia was charged on simple assault after a fight with his girlfriend. Familia and his fiancée, Bianca Rivas, welcomed their first child in June. The accuser’s name was not in the official police complaint.

FAMILIA: Arrested. (AP)

The arrest was made as 2:22 a.m., Monday. Bail was set at $1,500 and he was released. The Mets issued the following statement: “The matter was brought to our attention and we are monitoring the situation.”

Major League Baseball is cracking down on domestic abusers. Jose Reyes was suspended for 52 games at the start of this season; the Cubs’ Aroldis Chapman was suspended for 30 games at the start of this season; also this season, Atlanta’s Hector Olivera was suspended for 82 games.

Without knowing all the details, it is hard to speculate as to the length of Familia’s suspension, but he will miss time. There could also be pressure on the Mets to release him, just as there was heat to not bring back Reyes.

Familia’s situation could also influence the Mets to hasten their attempt to bring back Addison Reed, who had 40 holds.

The Mets could move Reed into the closer role and perhaps use Seth Lugo or Robert Gsellman in the set-up spot. If not them, then the Mets will need to find a set-up reliever. Hansel Robles will probably get the first opportunity, but he hasn’t impressed.

The Mets seemed secure with Reed in the eighth inning and Familia in the ninth. I don’t know what will happen with Familia, but what I do know is the Mets’ idyllic closer situation isn’t so ideal anymore.